Malacañang has identified 39 possible sites across Metro Manila where large rainwater detention structures could be built as part of the government’s efforts to address recurring flooding in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The shortlist was released Thursday, August 20, a day after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led a situation briefing at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) headquarters in Pasig City following the effects of the southwest monsoon or Habagat.
The proposed sites include underground detention areas, rainwater cisterns, open spaces, parks, floodplains, creeks and other locations that could temporarily store excess rainwater during heavy downpours.
During a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos had ordered government agencies to explore additional flood-control measures following successive heavy rains in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
“Ipinag-utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa iba't ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan na pag-aralan ang iba pang mga solusyon kontra-baha matapos ang sunod-sunod na malakas na ulan sa Metro Manila at ibang bahagi ng bansa,” Castro said.
Castro said the government had initially identified 30 potential locations, while the latest shortlist contains 39 sites. Detailed engineering plans are expected to be completed by the end of August before construction activities can begin.
“Sa ngayon, mayroon nang 30 sites na nakita ang pamahalaan na maaaring gamitin para sa mga rainwater cisterns. Inaasahang matatapos ngayong buwan ang detailed engineering ng proyekto bago masimulan ang paghuhukay,” she said.
The sites were identified through a preliminary study by Dutch engineering consultancy Haskoning, which is now working on the detailed engineering plans.
Among the proposed locations are the UP Sunken Garden, Camp Aguinaldo and Miriam College Open Field in Quezon City; Baseco Lagoon and Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Manila; Marikina River Floodplains and Hardin ng Bayan in Marikina; Malabon People’s Park and Malabon Sports Complex; and the Navotas Coastal Dike and Tanza Marine Tree Park.
Other proposed sites include locations in Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Pasay, Pateros, Pasig, San Juan, Taguig and Valenzuela.
The University of Santo Tomas (UST), which is located near flood-prone España Boulevard in Manila, was not included in the current list because the university has yet to approve the proposal.
Marcos has instructed authorities to ensure that the proposed flood-control projects become operational before the rainy season next year.
Beyond flood prevention, the President also directed agencies to develop a system for reusing the water collected by the detention structures, particularly during periods of drought.
“Ayaw ng Pangulo na ma-pump out lang ang maiipong tubig-ulan kundi dapat magamit ito sa panahon ng tagtuyot,” Castro said.
The proposed approach is intended to shift the government’s flood-control strategy from simply removing excess water toward storing and managing it for possible future use.
Castro said the President also ordered the continued upgrading of seawalls, regular clearing of rivers and waterways to prevent blockages caused by garbage, and the sustained operation of pumping stations.
Marcos likewise directed government agencies to examine flood-control measures implemented in other countries that could potentially be adapted to Philippine conditions.
The 39 proposed sites are:
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NHA 4PH Property (Bagong Silang) — Caloocan
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University of Caloocan City (Proposed Sunken Garden) — Caloocan
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Camella 3D Basketball Court — Las Piñas
Daang Hari Road — Las Piñas
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Malabon People’s Park — Malabon
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Malabon Sports Complex (Oval) — Malabon
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Chino Roces Ave. Underpass — Makati
Estero de Tripa de Gallina — Makati
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Baseco Lagoon — Manila
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Freedom Triangle Plaza — Manila
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Remedios Circle — Manila
Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium — Manila
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Buhangin Creek — Mandaluyong
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Maytunas Creek (Upstream) — Mandaluyong
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Hardin ng Bayan — Marikina
Marikina River Floodplains (Bagong Sibol) — Marikina
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Jamboree Lake (near New Bilibid Prison) — Muntinlupa
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Open Area beside Muntinlupa Sports Complex — Muntinlupa
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Navotas Coastal Dike — Navotas
Tanza Marine Tree Park — Navotas
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Open Area in Brgy. Moonwalk — Parañaque
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Open Space behind Avida Towers — Parañaque
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Cultural Center of the Philippines – Roxas Boulevard — Pasay
Pasay City Linear Ecopark — Pasay
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Bukuhan Agricultural Area — Pateros
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Parking Lot in Bukuhan — Pateros
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New Township/Development Area — Pasig
Rizal High School Track and Field Oval — Pasig
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Camp Aguinaldo — Quezon City
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Damar Village Park — Quezon City
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Miriam College Open Field — Quezon City
Tierra Verde II Park — Quezon City
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UP Sunken Garden — Quezon City
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Ermitaño Creek — San Juan
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Maytunas Creek (Downstream) — San Juan
Pinagsama Creek Daylighting — Taguig
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Pumping Station, Maya and Maysapang Creek — Taguig
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Polo Riverwalk (Right Bank) — Valenzuela
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Wawang Pulo Pumping Station — Valenzuela
The proposed rainwater detention structures form part of the Marcos administration’s broader flood-control strategy, which includes infrastructure upgrades, improved water management, regular maintenance of waterways and pumping facilities, and the study of international flood-management practices.
